Inner city after-school flag football program alive at UWinnipeg

WINNIPEG, MB., March 2, 2017 – The Winnipeg Police Association is now the presenting partner of the Winnipeg Youth Football Club, a weekly after-school flag football program for youth in Winnipeg’s core area that has taken place each winter for the last four years. The Winnipeg Youth Football Club is run by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as part of their Blue Bomber Futures in partnership with The University of Winnipeg, Sport Manitoba, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, and Spence Neighbourhood Association.

Each week, more than 200 youth from 12 different schools and organizations in Winnipeg’s central area receive free certified flag football coaching for 90 minutes, dinner, t-shirts, and school bus transportation to and from the club, which takes place at the University of Winnipeg Axworthy Health and Recplex.

“The Bombers are committed to supporting amateur football at every level for both flag and tackle football through Blue Bomber Futures programming,” said Wade Miller, President & CEO of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. “We look forward to working with the Winnipeg Police Association to continue to provide quality mentorship and positive interactions for youth through the Winnipeg Youth Football Club presented by the Winnipeg Police Association.”

“Both the Winnipeg Police Association and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have long, successful histories of supporting youth in the community,” said Maurice Sabourin, President, WPA. “The WPA is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Winnipeg Youth Football Club and we look forward to continuing to connect and work with inner-city youth.”

“Participation in sports is not only fun but the benefits to health and well-being are immeasurable,” added George VanMackelbergh, Vice President, WPA. “As police officers, we see the positive impact sports have on youth and we’ve experienced it in our own lives. The sport of football and all team sports impart important life lessons to young people such as teamwork, sportsmanship, goal setting and achievement – values for a good, productive and happy life.”

Former Winnipeg Blue Bombers and current Winnipeg police officers, Shawn Gallant and Errol Brown, as well as former CIS and Junior football players will be assisting with the camps, passing on their knowledge of football and life to participating youth.

About the Winnipeg Police Association

The Winnipeg Police Association (WPA) represents over 1,400 police officers, 450 civilian support staff and over 900 retired police officers in Winnipeg. In addition to helping to keep neighbourhoods safe, WPA members are focused on enhancing the community by supporting a variety of charitable events including the Winnipeg Youth Football Club.

About Blue Bombers Futures

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are proud to support amateur football players, coaches, and fans through a range of programs including the Winnipeg Youth Football Club presented by the Winnipeg Police Association, Winter Skills Camp, Flag Football Kick-off Weekend, High School Mentorship Program, coaching development opportunities, and many other flag football and community organizations. For more information visit http://www.bluebombers.com/amateur-football/